By Imām Kamaldeen AbdurRasaq
Introduction
السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
Marriage is one of the greatest blessings in Islam. It is a bond of love, mercy, and tranquility between husband and wife. However, divorce, though permitted in Islam, is the most hated of the permissible acts when abused. Islam therefore lays down preventive measures to preserve marriage and reduce the causes of separation.
1. Qur’anic Guidance
Allah ﷻ says:
وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُمْ مِنْ أَنْفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا لِتَسْكُنُوا إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
(“And among His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves, so that you may find tranquility in them, and He placed between you love and mercy. Indeed, in that are signs for people who reflect.”) Qur’an 30:21
2. Prophetic Guidance
The Prophet ﷺ said:
إِنَّ مِنْ أَعْظَمِ الْحُرْمَةِ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ الطَّلَاقُ
“Of all the lawful things, divorce is the most disliked by Allah.” (Abu Dāwūd)
This shows the seriousness of preserving marriage and only resorting to divorce when all other means fail.
3. Preventive Measures Against Divorce
a. Correct Intention at Marriage
– Marry for faith, piety, and character, not wealth or beauty alone.
Prophet ﷺ said: “A woman is married for four things… Choose the one with religion, may your hands be rubbed with dust (i.e. may you prosper).” (Bukhārī & Muslim)
b. Mutual Rights & Responsibilities
– Husband: financial care, protection, leadership with justice.
– Wife: obedience in good, care for the home, support of husband.
– Each must fulfill their role to maintain balance.
c. Good Communication & Conflict Resolution
– Speak kindly, avoid harsh words.
– Settle disputes with wisdom and patience.
Qur’an 4:35 encourages involving arbitrators from both families if issues escalate.
d. Forgiveness and Patience
– No one is perfect; overlooking faults strengthens love.
Prophet ﷺ said: “A believing man should not hate a believing woman. If he dislikes one of her traits, he will be pleased with another.” (Muslim)
e. Avoiding External Interference
– Relatives and outsiders should not be allowed to destroy the bond.
– Counsel and mediation are encouraged, not gossip or bias.
f. Upholding Islamic Morals
– Guarding against immorality, mistrust, and neglect of religion prevents many marital crises.
4. Lessons for Muslims Today
– Marriage is not about competition or pride, but about love and mercy.
– Couples should seek Islamic counseling before rushing to divorce.
– Building homes on faith and taqwā is the strongest protection against separation.
Conclusion
Divorce is a last resort, not a first option. Preventing it begins from choosing the right spouse, fulfilling rights, showing patience, and resolving disputes with wisdom. By following the Qur’an and Sunnah, marriages can flourish with love, mercy, and stability.
Dua
اللَّهُمَّ أَلِّفْ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِ الأَزْوَاجِ، وَبَارِكْ لَهُمْ فِي أَزْوَاجِهِمْ وَذُرِّيَّاتِهِمْ، وَاحْفَظْ بُيُوتَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ مِنَ التَّفَرُّقِ وَالطَّلَاقِ.
*Allāhumma allif bayna qulūbi-l-azwāj, wa bārik lahum fī azwājihim wa dhurriyyātihim, waḥfaẓ buyūta-l-muslimīn mina-t-tafaruq wa-ṭ-ṭalāq.
“O Allah, unite the hearts of spouses, bless them in their marriages and children, and protect the homes of Muslims from separation and divorce.”
Courtesy: The Muslim Congress, Osun State
